Knicks' Carmelo Anthony: At one point, I thought I'd join Bulls
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony said he thought at one point during this summer's free agency period that he would join the Chicago Bulls, according to a report from the New York Post's Marc Berman.
Anthony was courted by several teams, including the Rockets, Lakers, Bulls and Mavericks before ultimately choosing to re-sign with the Knicks on a deal worth more than $122 million (less than the $129 million maximum) over five years.
Before he re-upped with New York, a report surfaced that Anthony had narrowed his options down to the Bulls and Knicks. In a new documentary about Anthony's free agency set to air Tuesday, he said he was close to asking for a sign-and-trade to Chicago.
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“It came down to Chicago and New York,’’ Anthony said during the program. “Chicago was the one from Day 1 [and] was something I was very impressed with. They were looking for someone like me to come in and take them to the next level. So it was perfect.
“It was a perfect setup and perfect fit for me in Chicago. But also I had to think about just living in Chicago. Do I want to live in Chicago? Do I want to take everything I created in New York and move all of that? It came down to that. But there was one point in time I was like, ‘Oh, I’m going.' "
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The Bulls reportedly began focusing on reaching a deal with forward Pau Gasol after believing they would not agree to terms with Anthony. Chicago and Gasol eventually agreed to a deal worth more than $22 million over three years.
Over 15 games this season, Anthony has averaged 23.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He is doubtful for Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to back spasms.
